Interview

Collaboration, an essential component for progress to be made in the area of high technology products and services

Interview

Javier González Barajas, managing director of ONA

ONA Electroerosión is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of electrical discharge machines and an expert in terms of developing electrical discharge technologies. In this interview, Javier González Barajas, the managing director of ONA, talks about their collaboration with Tekniker as a technological partner and the benefits of working with the technology centre.

Despite the complexities of the current context, it seems that prospects are looking good as regards the upcoming edition of BIEMH. How do you see the trade fair from at ONA’s perspective?

After two years in which direct contacts with our customers have been limited by a number of circumstances, we are now delighted about returning to BIEMH. It is true that we have learned how to coexist with digital tools during this period in which have not been able to meet up with our customers on a regular basis, although it must be stressed that digital resources cannot replace personal interactions. Both approaches are important and complementary.

You will be located in the same hall as Tekniker, your partner in the area of machine tools. Could you describe the main lines of action behind this collaboration?

Our main line of collaboration is focused on developing advanced mechanical systems. More specifically, we intend to improve the mechanical behaviour of our machines in terms of temperature. Development work is also in progress to improve filtration systems and other lines of service have been established such as, among others, metrology, analyses and mechanised structures. 

As regards the EGONKOR project, our aim is to design machines that are more stable. Concerning the FILUSONIC project, focused on developing an ultrasound-assisted filtration system, the ultimate aim is to improve filtration on electrical penetration discharge machines. 

With the sole exception of standard electrical discharge operations, our upcoming projects will be focused on developing unconventional machining, ranging from additive manufacturing to improving fasthole machines.

What do contributions like yours with Tekniker deliver to the Basque industrial fabric and the machine tool sector in particular?

ONA is a very active SME that can only achieve its goals with the support of the Basque technology centre network with Tekniker as one of its key players. Thanks to our highly professional workforce we can compete at an international scale with other leading Japanese and Swiss groups. Collaboration is essential for progress to be made in terms of high technology products and services that can maintain the competitiveness of our products on an international scale.